16:9 footage on an external monitor (squished?)

A

Abinc

Well-known member
I'm using Final Cut Studio 2 and a DVX100b;

Whenever I'm in FCP and viewing any 16:9 footage on a external monitor (which is a 4:3 SD TV connected to my mac through a DV camcorder with a firewire cable) it appears tall and squished on the screen. 4:3 footage isn't a problem of course since the TV isn't one of the newer 16:9 display models; but is there not a way to view the 16:9 footage on an external monitor as a properly formatted image with black bars? ...Or is tall and squishy the only option? :huh:

I thought that FCP's settings would allow me to see it properly formatted with letterboxing, but I'm not sure. And I've also tried connecting to a 16:9 TV to see if that would fix it, but I get the same squished image....sorry if this is an obvious inquiry!
 
Yeah you need to get a 16:9 compatible monitor or a hardware aspect ratio switcher(which is a big waste of money IMHO). There's not a way to force FCP to letterbox native 16:9 footage on output.

Noah
 
Here's what I do...

(I have a monitor that has an aspect switch, but it is buried in the menu so I never go there)

Create an 4:3 sequence and drop in the 16:9. It will automatically convert it to letterbox and you can preview on your external monitor there.

Make changes in the original sequence and it will show up in the new nested 4:3. Use the squished preview of the 16:9 sequence to make cuts, but to preview back just switch to the other sequence.

Bit of a workaround... but helpful, especially if you've got a client sitting over your shoulder.

Good luck,

CaptM
 
What camcorder are you using? most 16:9 capable cameras will have an option in the play back mode where you select what type of tv you're viewing on, widescreen or normal. That way if you want to review 16:9 footage straight from mini dv, it can be viewed on a 4:3 without distortion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top